Build A Remote Control Internet TV & Drop Cable
Cutting the Cord: Building a Free Internet TV System
For quite some time, I’ve been aiming to create a home entertainment solution capable of replacing traditional cable television – achieving the ultimate goal of free TV access via the Internet. The feasibility of this undertaking varies depending on individual viewing habits.
Within my family, for instance, our television consumption is largely focused on a handful of prominent networks, including CBS, NBC, A&E, Discovery, and Nickelodeon, which the children enjoy. In this scenario, replacing cable would simply require a system enabling on-demand access to episodes of our preferred programs.
However, there are still certain limitations to consider when obtaining television entertainment from the Internet. Typically, there's a delay in accessing the newest episodes, meaning you might not be able to participate in immediate discussions about shows like Dancing With the Stars.
Conversely, if your television viewing is infrequent and limited to a few select shows, the ongoing expense of a cable subscription may seem unjustifiable.
This article details a setup utilizing an Internet TV application called Miro, previously mentioned by Aibek. The system involves installing Miro on a PC or laptop connected to a large flatscreen monitor – effectively our new “television” – and then transforming an Android phone into a remote control using the Gmote app, which I previously reviewed on MUO.
If an Android phone isn't available, Karl’s article details configuring a PC remote control for Windows Mobile, or you can install a remote control app for your mobile device that operates over your home network.
Establishing Free Remote Control TV Viewing
Two primary concerns often arise when people contemplate switching to free Internet TV. The first is the fragmented nature of video streams for favorite shows. While full episodes are available, locating them often requires visiting individual show websites.
The second potential issue is video resolution. Streaming video may not always match the clarity of digital cable television. However, those familiar with downloading television episodes via high-speed Internet know that the image quality, while not flawless, is generally acceptable, particularly when viewed from a reasonable distance.
Completing this setup and testing it will demonstrate that both of these concerns are largely unfounded, especially considering the cost savings.
Begin by positioning your television with the laptop or desktop computer discreetly placed. Direct access to the “media server” won’t be necessary, as the remote control will manage all operations. Then, download and install Miro onto the PC.
Upon initial installation, Miro offers a selection of free Internet TV content, video feeds, and even a torrent search function. The key benefit of using Miro is its ability to serve as a centralized hub for all the video sites and feeds you wish to access.
Miro eliminates the need to search the web for your favorite TV shows; simply locate them once and add them to Miro as a new video website or feed. As an example, I enjoy the show Paranormal State, so I begin by obtaining the URL from the video section of A&E’s website.
The A&E video page provides links to full episodes of most of its major programs. Many are unaware of the substantial amount of free video content available online. Once you discontinue your cable service, you’ll likely discover that you haven’t sacrificed much, but have gained significant benefits – including financial savings.
To add a network’s video page, copy the URL and navigate to Sidebar -> Add Website within Miro. Adding the URL will display the site page directly within the Miro application.
Here, you can see me watching an episode of Paranormal State within the Miro app. The “maximize” button remains functional, allowing for full-screen viewing.
The left menu bar shows that I’ve added all my favorite networks, from ABC and CBS to Nickelodeon. The video window displays full episodes of Mythbusters. There are almost four hours of free entertainment available on this screen alone – why continue paying for cable?
A particularly useful feature of Miro is the ability to add video feeds. This transforms Miro into a “feed-reader” for the latest video content on sites like YouTube or Hulu. To obtain a feed, visit the site (such as Hulu) and select the desired feed link.
Want to monitor new movies added to Hulu, popular YouTube videos, or Google videos? Copy the feed link and, in Miro, select Sidebar -> Add Feed.
Once your video websites and feeds are configured in Miro, the final step to enjoy free Internet TV is to install your local remote control software. I use Gmote, so I install both the desktop client and the mobile app on my Android phone. With the entertainment system running, I launch the Gmote app to access a touchpad for controlling the mouse on the “television” screen.
If you find yourself running out of episodes of your favorite shows, you can “channel surf” the Web 2.0 way by clicking on the Miro Guide and browsing or searching for available videos.
Although disconnecting from cable television can be a significant decision, the long-term cost savings, combined with the vast amount of video content available online, make it a more manageable choice. Consider setting up your own Internet TV system and testing it for a few weeks. You might find that you don’t miss cable at all!
Do you have your own methods for organizing shows and watching free Internet TV? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below.
